Lyme Science Blog

Lyme Disease Co-Infections: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment Ticks may transmit multiple infections in a single bite Co-infections can worsen symptoms and complicate treatment Babesia, Bartonella, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichia are increasingly recognized Lyme disease co-infections occur when a tick transmits multiple infectious organisms during a single bite. These co-infections may worsen symptoms, complicate diagnosis, and require […]

What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. The illness is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, a spiral-shaped organism known as a spirochete. The bacterium is typically transmitted by the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), commonly called the deer tick. When an

Lyme Vaccine for Humans: What Happened to LYMErix? Human Lyme vaccines remain controversial LYMErix changed the vaccine conversation Safety and trust still shape adoption The discussion around a Lyme vaccine for humans did not end when LYMErix disappeared from the market. Many patients continue to ask whether a future Lyme vaccine will be more effective,

When Are Ticks Most Active? Why Lyme Disease Risk Lasts All Day Ticks may search for hosts throughout much of the day—not just at dawn or dusk. Questing behavior depends on survival and host-seeking activity rather than a strict schedule. Understanding when ticks are most active may help patients recognize Lyme disease risk earlier. When

Sleep Disorders in Lyme Disease: Why Sleep Problems Persist Sleep disorders in Lyme disease often persist despite rest, reflecting underlying neurologic and autonomic dysfunction. Many patients with Lyme disease describe the same pattern—exhaustion that never lifts, nights spent waking at 2 or 3 AM, and the feeling that sleep no longer restores them. Sleep disturbances

Lyme Disease Child Behavior: Lyme Rage and Parental Flooding Lyme disease child behavior can overwhelm families Mood swings and Lyme rage may strain parents Parental flooding can affect how families respond Lyme disease child behavior changes can be frightening for families. Could these changes contribute to what researchers describe as parental flooding? Parents experiencing flooding

Lyme Disease in Pregnancy: What Studies Show About Outcomes Lyme disease during pregnancy raises concerns about maternal and fetal health Treatment timing and early recognition may influence outcomes Evidence remains limited despite growing research The study by researchers in Slovenia looked at the potential effects of Lyme disease in pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes. In their

Ticks at High Altitudes: Expanding Lyme Disease Risk Ticks are now being found at higher elevations Mountain regions once considered low risk may harbor tick-borne pathogens Climate and habitat changes may expand exposure Investigators examined ticks living in the Alps over a 4-year period to better understand how altitude may influence tick survival and the

Why Doctors Miss Lyme Disease: Evidence From Clinical Cases Doctors may miss Lyme disease despite recognizable symptoms Diagnostic uncertainty can delay treatment decisions Clinical experience and pattern recognition matter Investigators asked clinicians to review 11 cases of Lyme disease to determine whether doctors may be reluctant to diagnose Lyme disease. They found that only 5